‘A house is built by wisdom and becomes strong through good sense. Through knowledge its rooms are filled with all sorts of precious riches and valuables. The wise are mightier than the strong, and those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger.’ Proverbs 24:3-5(NLT)
‘I have tried hard to find you— don’t let me wander from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. I praise you, O Lord ; teach me your decrees. I have recited aloud all the regulations you have given us. I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches. I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word.’ Psalms 119:10-16(NLT)
‘Children are a gift from the Lord ; they are a reward from him.’ Psalms 127:3(NLT)
‘Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity. For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. ‘ 2 Corinthians 8:1-4(NLT)
‘Since you excel in so many ways—in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us —I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving.’ 2 Corinthians 8:7(NLT)
‘So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.’ Galatians 5:1(NLT)
Marriage and family planning is important for two primary reasons. First, to create a structured plan to develop a healthy flow of your now shared life. Second, to decrease unnecessary conflict that comes from misunderstanding, faulty expectations, or words never spoken (leaving your partner needing a degree in mind reading!). Consider these four: responsibilities, decision-making, children, and finances. No doubt there will still be plenty of issues that will arise over the years, but I trust you will use your Couch Time and Table Time to address them to continue to experience growth in your marriage.
The more you intentionally communicate and put a viable, reasonable structure in place that you both commit to, the greater harmony you will experience for years to come. Plans offer safeguards and decrease unnecessary conflict. These strategies will be different for every couple, with each one’s different personal variables, but the principles are the same. The primary principle undergirding every plan is LOVE: what would love have me do? What would love have US do? Love commits to creating wise plans to guide your US, and love commits to walking out those plans daily.
Reflection: I encourage you to become the best team in working together in the functional aspects for the good of your US. Give thought to what wisdom you need in responsibilities, training your children, decisions, and financial concerns. Commit to being advocates and prayer warriors for your children or grandchildren. Ask yourselves, “How can we be wise stewards of the monies God has given to us?” Choose to be generous with cheerful hearts in all aspects of your marriage.
from Daily Habits Of Marital Intimacy